Hollyhock. Vigorous, upright perennial with rounded light green leaves. Rounded buds open to many-petalled white flowers, which have a slightly ruffled appearance. Height 2.5m. Spread 60cm. Flowers May to July. Full sun. Hardy. Attracts bees.
Alcea rosea ‘Chater’s Double Salmon Pink’ is a stunning perennial that brings a beautiful splash of colour to your garden. With its large, double flowers in a soft salmon pink hue, this hollyhock variety is perfect for creating a vibrant display.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The ideal time to plant Alcea rosea ‘Chater’s Double Salmon Pink’ is in the spring. This timing allows the roots to establish before the growing season, ensuring healthy growth and a prolific flowering period.
Autumn: Alternatively, planting your Alcea in early autumn can also be beneficial. This approach gives the plant time to settle in before dormancy, setting the stage for a vigorous comeback in spring.
Site Selection
Sunlight: This Alcea flourishes in full sun. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to promote optimal growth and flowering.
Soil: Well-drained soil is crucial for Alcea. The plant is sensitive to waterlogged conditions, so amending the soil with organic matter, such as compost or sand, can enhance drainage and overall soil health.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: When planting Alcea rosea ‘Chater’s Double Salmon Pink’, dig a hole that is about twice the width and equal depth of the root ball. This provides ample space for the roots to spread.
Soil Preparation: Enrich the soil by mixing in compost or organic matter, enhancing both fertility and drainage. Alcea thrives in nutrient-rich environments, which support strong growth and vibrant blooms.
Planting: Position the plant in the prepared hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole, firming the soil to eliminate air pockets.
Watering After Planting: Water the plant thoroughly after planting. This helps settle the soil and encourages the roots to establish. Ensure the area drains well to prevent standing water.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Once established, Alcea rosea ‘Chater’s Double Salmon Pink’ is relatively drought-tolerant. Water moderately during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to root issues, so it’s crucial to monitor soil moisture.
Dormant Season: During the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Water only if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Alcea requires minimal moisture during this period.
Feeding
Spring: At the start of spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to give Alcea rosea ‘Chater’s Double Salmon Pink’ a nutrient boost, supporting healthy growth and an impressive display of flowers.
Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can promote continued flowering and help maintain the vigour of your Alcea throughout the blooming season.
Pruning
Deadheading: Regularly deadhead Alcea rosea ‘Chater’s Double Salmon Pink’ by removing spent flowers. This practice encourages a longer blooming period and keeps the plant looking tidy.
Autumn Pruning: After the last blooms fade in autumn, cut back your Alcea to ground level. This prepares the plant for winter dormancy, promoting healthier growth for the following season.
Mulching
Spring: Applying mulch around the base of the plant in spring helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches, such as bark chips or compost, are ideal.
Winter: In winter, additional mulch around the base can protect the roots from cold temperatures and frost heaving, ensuring your Alcea survives through to the next growing season.
Supporting the Plant
Staking: Alcea rosea ‘Chater’s Double Salmon Pink’ typically has sturdy stems and a compact growth habit. However, in particularly windy areas, consider staking to prevent potential damage to the plant.
Final Tips
Alcea rosea ‘Chater’s Double Salmon Pink’ is a low-maintenance perennial that offers stunning colour and beauty throughout the growing season. By ensuring it has full sun and well-drained soil, along with following these care instructions, your Alcea will reward you with delightful blooms from early summer to autumn. Integrate this lovely plant into your garden borders or containers for a charming, colourful display that enhances your outdoor space.
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John Fenwick (verified owner) –
All arrived in excellent order, just waiting now for the growing flowering and showing off!